Virginia Tech & Jonas Hauptman’s Lab

We are co-researchers and developers of MassBu in Ecuador, an innovative structural bamboo system for mid-rise buildings originally invented at Virginia Tech in Jonas Hauptman’s lab.

Structural bamboo panels designed for walls and floors

Collaborative
R&D

Integrating architecture, material science, and ecology

MassBu
Technology

Engineered for buildings between 2–5 stories

Mid-Rise Construction Ready

  • Prototype Massbu Structure

  • The art of creating a flat surface for gluing bamboo

  • Massbu bamboo structural panel

  • Prototype gluing and pressing process

 FAQs

  • It's a BDRG-led initiative developing affordable, engineered bamboo panels and beams for mid-rise housing in Ecuador.

  • By using renewable bamboo instead of cement-heavy materials, MassBu cuts emissions and boosts carbon storage.

  • MassBu complements CBFT (Cement Bamboo Frame Technology) by adding lightweight bamboo floor systems, creating a more complete hybrid building solution.

  • The next phase will focus on testing the panels already produced, followed by additional panel fabrication to refine large-scale production techniques. This includes the development and testing of two-layer tapered beams, which will retain more of the structural integrity of bamboo by following its natural taper. Additionally, eight-foot-tall by four-foot-wide panels will be fabricated for in-plane shear testing, ensuring their viability for mid-rise construction applications.